On-board performance monitor and power control system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling performance and/or power based on monitored performance characteristics. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise an integrated circuit comprising a first circuit module that receives electrical power. A second circuit module may monitor one or more performance characteristics of the first circuit module and/or the integrated circuit. A third circuit module may, for example, determine power control information based at least in part on the monitored performance characteristic(s). The power control information may be communicated to power supply circuitry to control various characteristics of the electrical power. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise an integrated circuit comprising a first module that monitors at least one performance characteristic of a first electrical device. The integrated circuit may also comprise modules that determine power control information based on the monitored performance characteristic(s) and communicate such power control information to power supply circuitry.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/185,216, filed Aug. 4, 2008, issuing as U.S. Pat. No.7,840,379 on Nov. 23, 2010; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/158,176, filed Jun. 21, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,409,315; which claims benefit from and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/583,913, filed Jun. 28, 2004, and entitled “ON-BOARDPERFORMANCE MONITOR AND POWER CONTROL SYSTEM”. The above-identifiedapplications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In electronic systems utilizing a power supply, a variety of integratedcircuit chips, and variety of sub-circuits or modules within integratedcircuit chips, the electronic systems may operate at various performancelevels. Performance level may vary as a result of any of a variety ofcauses and conditions. For example and without limitation, power supplyvariation may affect performance level. Also for example, performance ofa first component or subsystem may affect the performance of a secondcomponent or subsystem. Further for example, environmental conditionsmay affect performance level.

In various operational scenarios, desired performance level of asubsystem or component may vary. For example, in a first exemplaryscenario, maximum performance level may be desired. In a secondexemplary scenario, for example, a moderate performance level (e.g., atenhanced energy-efficiency) may be desired. In a third exemplaryscenario, for example, a low performance level (e.g., in a power-savemode) may be desired.

In various operational scenarios, the performance level of a subsystemor component (including, for example, an integrated circuit) may not beas desired. For example, a system, subsystem or component may beoperating at a relatively high performance level when a relatively lowperformance level is desired. Conversely for example, a system,subsystem or component may be operating at a relatively low performancelevel when a relatively high performance level is desired.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method forcontrolling characteristics of supplied electrical power and/orperformance based on monitored performance characteristics,substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at leastone of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. Theseand other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof, will bemore fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary performance control system, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an exemplary power control system, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method for controlling performance, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for controlling power, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of an exemplary performance control system, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an exemplary power control system, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method for controlling performance, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method for controlling power, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary performance control system 100,in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Theexemplary system 100 may comprise an integrated circuit 110 thatreceives electrical power 115. The integrated circuit 110 may comprisecharacteristics of any of a large variety of integrated circuits. Forexample and without limitation, the integrated circuit 110 may comprisea signal processing circuit, a microprocessor, an application-specificintegrated circuit, a programmable logic array, a memory circuit, amulti-chip module, a microcontroller, etc. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular integrated circuit type.

The following discussion will often utilize the term “module” or“circuit module” to describe a circuit or sub-circuit that performs afunction. It must be recognized that a module may be implemented inhardware, software or a combination thereof. It must also be noted thatvarious portions of modules may be shared. For example, a first moduleand a second module may share various hardware components and/orsoftware routines. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by particular moduleimplementations or by arbitrary boundaries between modules.

The exemplary integrated circuit 110 may comprise a first circuit module120 that receives electrical power 121 and utilizes the electrical power121 to perform a function. The electrical power 121 may, for example, beidentical to the electrical power 115 received by the integrated circuit110 or may be different. For example, the electrical power 121 receivedby the first circuit module 120 may be related to (e.g., derived from)the electrical power 115 received by the integrated circuit 110 or maybe independent. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particularrelationship between electrical power received by the integrated circuit110, the first circuit module 120, or any other module or component.

The first circuit module 120 may comprise characteristics of any of alarge variety of circuit modules. For example and without limitation,the first circuit module 120 may comprise a signal processing module, amicroprocessor module, an application-specific module, a programmablelogic array module, a memory module, a plurality of coupled sub-modules,a microcontroller module, etc. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular circuit module type.

The exemplary system 100 may comprise a second circuit module 130. Theexemplary second circuit module 130 may comprise a first sub-module 132and a second sub-module 134. The second circuit module 130 may, forexample and without limitation, comprise a performance monitor modulethat monitors characteristics of module or integrated circuitperformance and communicates information related to such monitoringactivity.

The first sub-module 132 may, for example, monitor at least oneperformance characteristic of the integrated circuit 110. Also forexample, the first sub-module 132 may monitor at least one performancecharacteristic of the first circuit module 120. Note that the firstsub-module 132 may monitor at least one performance characteristic ofthe integrated circuit 110, the first circuit module 120 and/or othermodules of the integrated circuit 110.

Monitored performance characteristics of the integrated circuit 110 orthe first circuit module 120 may comprise any of a variety of circuitperformance characteristics. For example and without limitation, suchperformance characteristics may comprise operational speed (e.g.,processing speed, data throughput rate, delay time, response time,communication rate, etc.). Also for example, such performancecharacteristics may comprise operating temperature. Further for example,such performance characteristics may comprise a measurement of energyconsumption or efficiency. Still further for example, such performancecharacteristics may comprise error rate or noise level. In general, theperformance characteristics may comprise any of a variety of circuitperformance characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by any particular circuitperformance characteristics.

It should be noted that the first sub-module 132 may monitor one or moreperformance characteristics for a plurality of functional aspects of atleast one of the integrated circuit 110 and the first circuit module120. For example, the first circuit module 120 may perform a pluralityof discrete functions, performance characteristic(s) of which the firstsub-module 132 may monitor. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by a particular number ofmonitored performance characteristics or number of associated functionalaspects.

Note that the first sub-module 132 may utilize any of a large variety ofknown or yet to be developed devices or mechanisms (e.g., performancesensors, detectors, hardware, software, etc.) to monitor performancecharacteristics. For example and without limitation, the firstsub-module 132 may utilize a performance sensor or other circuitryincorporated in the first circuit module 120 or elsewhere in theintegrated circuit 110 (e.g., as indicated by item 105) to monitor theperformance of the first circuit module 120 or integrated circuit 110.Also for example, the first sub-module 132 may communicate performancedata with the first circuit module 120 (e.g., over a communication link,as exemplified by link 107) or portion of the integrated circuit 110 andprocess such performance data to ascertain one or more particularperformance characteristics for the first circuit module 120 or theintegrated circuit 110. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of particulardevices or mechanisms for monitoring various performancecharacteristics.

The exemplary system 100 illustrates the first sub-module 132 monitoringat least one performance characteristic of the integrated circuit 110and/or the first circuit module 120. The first sub-module 132 may also,for example, monitor at least one performance characteristic of othercircuit modules of the integrated circuit 110 that, for illustrativeclarity, were not included in the FIG. 1 illustration. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby a particular number of circuit modules for which performancecharacteristics may be monitored by the first sub-module 132.

The second circuit module 130 of the exemplary integrated circuit 110may comprise a second sub-module 134, communicatively coupled to thefirst sub-module 132, that communicates with a third circuit module 140,140′ regarding the at least one performance characteristic monitored bythe first sub-module 132. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the third circuitmodule 140, 140′ may be a third circuit module 140 internal to theintegrated circuit 110 or may be a third circuit module 140′ external tothe integrated circuit 110. The following discussion may refer to eitherthe internal third circuit module 140 or the external third circuitmodule 140′. Such exemplary references are by no means to be construedas limiting various aspects of the third circuit module 140, 140′ to aninternal or external location relative to the integrated circuit 110.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by a particular location of the third circuitmodule 140, 140′.

The second sub-module 134 may communicate information with the thirdcircuit module 140, 140′. Such information may, for example, compriseinformation of the at least one monitored performance characteristic. Inan exemplary scenario where the first sub-module 132 monitors aperformance characteristic of the first circuit module 120 related tooperational speed, the second sub-module 134 may communicate informationregarding the monitored operational speed with the third circuit module140, 140′. For example, such information may comprise information(relative or absolute) describing the monitored operational speed. Suchinformation may, for example, comprise relatively low-resolutioninformation (e.g., a one-bit threshold comparison indication) orrelatively high-resolution information (e.g., operational speed pernanosecond resolution). Such information may, for example, compriseinformation represented in an analog or digital signal.

Also for example, the second sub-module 134 may communicate informationwith the third circuit module 140, 140′ that comprises performanceadjustment information. Such performance adjustment information may, forexample, comprise a request for performance adjustment or a command forperformance adjustment. Such performance adjustment information maycomprise a request or command to adjust performance by a relative amountor by an absolute amount. In an exemplary scenario where the firstsub-module 132 monitors an energy-efficiency characteristic, the secondsub-module 134 may communicate information to the third circuit module140, 140′ indicating that the energy-efficiency level should beincreased. In another exemplary scenario where the first sub-module 132monitors operating temperature, the second sub-module 134 maycommunicate information to the third circuit module 140, 140′ indicatingthat the operating temperature may be increased (or alternatively, thatthe operating temperature should be reduced).

The complexity of the second sub-module 134 may vary substantially. Forexample, in a first exemplary scenario, the second sub-module 134 maycomprise a plurality of signal processing sub-circuits, each of whichperforms a signal processing or communicating activity (e.g., A/Dconversion, data manipulation, data packaging, one or two-way datacommunication, etc.). In a second exemplary scenario, the secondsub-module 134 may comprise a mere conduit (e.g., a wire or opticalpath) for information obtained by the first sub-module 132. Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of particular degrees of module complexity.

As mentioned previously, the first sub-module 132 may monitor aplurality of performance characteristics for a plurality of functionalaspects of a plurality of circuit modules. Accordingly, the secondsub-module 134 may communicate information with the third circuit module140, 140′ regarding any, some or all of such monitored performancecharacteristics.

In general, the second sub-module 134 may communicate with the thirdcircuit module 140, 140′ regarding the at least one performancecharacteristic monitored by the first sub-module 132. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular monitored performance characteristicor a particular type of information that may be communicated regarding amonitored performance characteristic.

The third circuit module 140 may, for example and without limitation,comprise a power controller module. For example, the third circuitmodule 140 may process information received from the second sub-module134 to determine power control information utilized to control powersupply circuitry. The third circuit module 140 may process the receivedinformation to determine power control information in any of a varietyof manners.

For example and without limitation, the third circuit module 140 maycompare performance information to performance goal information. Thethird circuit module 140 may, for example, determine whether the firstcircuit module 120 or integrated circuit 110 is achieving performancegoals. Such performance goals may, for example and without limitation,comprise goals related to processing speed, response time, operatingtemperature, energy consumption, energy-efficiency, error rate, datathroughput, etc.

The third circuit module 140 may determine whether a performanceadjustment is desired. The third circuit module 140 may also, forexample, determine how much of a performance adjustment is desired. Suchdetermination(s) may, for example, comprise balancing variousperformance goals, which may be complementary or adversely related. Thethird circuit module 140 may then, for example, correlate performance ora performance change to various power supply characteristic(s). Thethird circuit module 140 may, for example, determine power controlrequest or command signals to communicate with other circuitry, wherethe request or command signals are designed to provide for control overone or more power supply characteristics.

In an exemplary scenario, the third circuit module 140 may processinformation of monitored performance characteristics from the secondsub-module 134 and determine that, while data processing speed issubstantially exceeding the minimum data processing speed goal, energyconsumption is in excess of the maximum energy consumption goal. Thethird circuit module 140 may then, for example, determine that a 2%decrease in power supply voltage level will decrease the energyconsumption below the maximum energy consumption goal, while stillproviding for data processing speed at or above the minimum dataprocessing speed goal.

In another exemplary scenario, the third circuit module 140 may processinformation of monitored performance characteristics from the secondsub-module 134 and determine that, while the communication error rate issubstantially below the maximum error rate goal, the operatingtemperature is above the maximum temperature goal. The third circuitmodule 140 may then, for example, determine that a 1.5% reduction inpower supply voltage level will decrease operating temperature below themaximum temperature goal, while still meeting the error rate goal.

In a further exemplary scenario, the third circuit module 140 mayprocess information of monitored performance characteristics from thesecond sub-module 134 and determine that energy-efficiency goals arecomfortably being met, while data throughput rate goals are not beingmet due to power supply voltage instability. The third circuit module140 may then, for example, determine that a 20% increase in power supplyswitching rate may reduce voltage variability below an acceptablemaximum level, while still meeting energy-efficiency goals.

As mentioned previously, the third circuit module 140 (140′) may beinternal or external to the integrated circuit 110. In an exemplaryscenario where the third circuit module 140 is internal to theintegrated circuit 110, the third circuit module 140 may receiveinformation regarding the at least one monitored performancecharacteristic from the second sub-module 134 and process suchinformation to determine a power adjustment request (or command). Thethird circuit module 140 may then communicate the determined poweradjustment request to power supply circuitry to request that the powersupply circuitry modify various aspects of supplied electrical power.

In another exemplary scenario where the third circuit module 140′ isexternal to the integrated circuit 110, the third circuit module 140′may receive information regarding the at least one monitored performancecharacteristic from the integrated circuit 110 (e.g., originating at thesecond sub-module 134) and process such information to determine a poweradjustment command (or request). The third circuit module 140′ may thencommunicate the determined power adjustment command to power supplycircuitry to cause the power supply circuitry to modify various aspectsof supplied electrical power.

In a further exemplary scenario where the third circuit module 140′ isexternal to the integrated circuit 110 and internal to a power supplyintegrated circuit, the third circuit module 140′ of the power supplyintegrated circuit may receive information regarding the at least onemonitored performance characteristic from the integrated circuit 110(e.g., originating at the second sub-module 134) and process suchinformation to determine a power adjustment signal. The third circuitmodule 140′ of the exemplary power supply integrated circuit may thenutilize the power adjustment signal to cause the power supply integratedcircuit to modify various aspects of electrical power output from thepower supply integrated circuit.

In general, the third circuit module 140, 140′ may be internal to theintegrated circuit 110, external to the integrated circuit 110, anindependent integrated circuit, part of a power supply integratedcircuit, etc. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particularmodule location or integration.

As mentioned previously, the third circuit module 140 may receiveinformation of one or more monitored performance characteristics for aplurality of modules and/or integrated circuits. In processing thereceived information to determine power supply control information, thethird circuit module 140 may process the received information in any ofa large variety of ways.

For example and without limitation, the third circuit module 140 mayarbitrate between various modules and/or integrated circuits. Sucharbitration may, for example, comprise considering respectiveperformance goals or needs of the plurality of modules and/or integratedcircuits. Such arbitration may, for example, comprise consideringrespective priorities of the plurality of modules and/or integratedcircuits. For example, such arbitration may comprise determining powercontrol information in accordance with the performance goals or needs ofthe highest priority module. Also for example, such arbitration maycomprise determining power control information based on a priority-basedor need-based weighted average. In general, such arbitration maycomprise arbitrating between performance needs of various modules and/orintegrated circuits. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular arbitration scheme.

The third circuit module 140 may communicate power control informationto power supply circuitry that provides electrical power to theintegrated circuit 110, first circuit module 120, or other circuitmodule or integrated circuit. Such power control information may, forexample, comprise controlling signals that directly control operation ofthe power supply circuitry. Such power control information may, forexample, comprise a power supply request or command, which may beinterpreted and processed by power supply circuitry that receives such arequest or command. Such power control information may, for example,comprise any of a variety of information related to monitoredperformance of the integrated circuit 110, first circuit module 120,other circuit module(s), other integrated circuit(s), etc. Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of particular power control information or bya particular destination for such power control information.

The exemplary system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previouslyis merely exemplary and was presented to illustrate a non-limitingportion of various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should by no means belimited by characteristics of the exemplary system 100.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an exemplary power control system 200, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplarysystem 200 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise an integrated circuit 210 thatreceives electrical power 215, 245. Portions of the exemplary integratedcircuit 210 may, for example, share various characteristics with theexemplary integrated circuit 110 of the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a power supply circuit 280 thatprovides electrical power 215, 245 to the integrated circuit 210. Theexemplary power supply circuit 280 may comprise a first power outputmodule 282 that outputs electrical power 215 to the integrated circuit210 and/or one or more modules thereof. The exemplary power supplycircuit 280 may also, for example, comprise a second power output module284 that outputs electrical power 245 to the integrated circuit 210and/or one or more modules thereof. Note that the second power output245 from the power supply circuit 280 may, for example, be output fromthe second power output module 284 or may (as indicated by the dashedline) be output from the first power output module 282. Accordingly, thesecond power output 245 from the power supply circuit 280 may be relatedto the first power output 215 or may be independent.

The exemplary power supply circuit 280 may, for example, comprise acontrol interface module 286 through which electrical devices externalto the power supply circuit 280 may communicate with the power supplycircuit 280. For example and without limitation, electrical devicesexternal to the power supply circuit 280 may utilize the controlinterface module 286 to communicate power control information with thepower supply circuit 280.

The power supply circuit 280 may comprise any of a large variety ofpower supply circuit characteristics. For example and withoutlimitation, the power supply circuit 280 may be an independent powersupply integrated circuit. The power supply circuit 280 may, forexample, comprise discrete active and passive electrical components. Thepower supply circuit 280 may, for example, comprise one or more linearor non-linear regulators. Also for example, the power supply circuit 280may comprise switching power supply circuitry (e.g., in a buck, boost,buck-boost or charge pump configuration). The power supply circuit 280may, for example, comprise analog, digital or hybrid circuitry. Thepower supply circuit 280 may, for example, comprise one or moreindependently controllable outputs. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular type of power supply circuit.

The exemplary integrated circuit 210 may comprise a first circuit module220 that receives electrical power 221. The first circuit module 220may, for example and without limitation, share various characteristicswith the first circuit module 120 of the exemplary system 100illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

Similarly, the exemplary integrated circuit 210 may comprise a secondcircuit module 230. The second circuit module 230 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with the secondcircuit module 130 of the exemplary system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

Further, the exemplary integrated circuit 210 may comprise a thirdcircuit module 240. The third circuit module 240 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with the third circuitmodule 140 of the exemplary system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary integrated circuit 210 may comprise a fourth circuitmodule 250 that receives electrical power 251. The fourth circuit module250 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the first circuit module 220.

The electrical power 251 received by the fourth circuit module 250 may,for example, be identical to the electrical power 245 received by theintegrated circuit 210 or may be different. For example, the electricalpower 251 received by the fourth circuit module 250 may be related to(e.g., derived from) the electrical power 245 received by the integratedcircuit 210 or may be independent. Also for example, the electricalpower 251 received by the fourth circuit module 250 may be related tothe electrical power 215 received by the integrated circuit 210 or theelectrical power 221 received by the first circuit module 220 or may beindependent. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any relationshipbetween electrical power 215, 245 received by the integrated circuit210, electrical power 221, 251 received by the first circuit module 221and fourth circuit module 250, or electrical power received by any othermodule or component.

The fourth circuit module 250 may, for example, comprise characteristicsof any of a large variety of circuit modules. For example and withoutlimitation, the fourth circuit module 250 may comprise a signalprocessing module, a microprocessor module, an application-specificmodule, a programmable logic array module, a memory module, a pluralityof coupled sub-modules, a microcontroller module, etc. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular circuit module type.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a fifth circuit module 260. Thefifth circuit module 260 may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with the second circuit module 230.

For example, the exemplary fifth circuit module 260 may comprise a firstsub-module 262 and a second sub-module 264. The fifth circuit module 260may, for example and without limitation, comprise a performance monitormodule that monitors performance characteristics of modules orintegrated circuits and communicates information related to suchmonitoring activity.

The first sub-module 262 may, for example, monitor at least oneperformance characteristic of the integrated circuit 210. Also forexample, the first sub-module 262 may monitor at least one performancecharacteristic of the fourth circuit module 250 and/or other modules ofthe integrated circuit 210. Note that the first sub-module 262 maymonitor at least one performance characteristic of the integratedcircuit 210 and/or the fourth circuit module 250.

It should be noted that the first sub-module 262 may monitor one or moreperformance characteristics for a plurality of functions performed by atleast one of the integrated circuit 210 and the fourth circuit module250. For example, the fourth circuit module 250 may perform a pluralityof discrete functions, performance characteristics of which the firstsub-module 262 may monitor. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by a particular number ofmonitored performance characteristics or number of associated functionalaspects.

Note that, as with the first sub-modules 232, 132 discussed previously,the first sub-module 262 may utilize any of a large variety of known oryet to be developed devices or mechanisms (e.g., performance sensors,detectors, hardware, software, etc.) to monitor performancecharacteristics. For example and without limitation, the firstsub-module 262 may utilize a performance sensor or other circuitryincorporated in the fourth module 250 or elsewhere in the integratedcircuit 110 (e.g., as indicated by item 206) to monitor the performanceof the fourth sub-module 250 or integrated circuit 210. Also forexample, the first sub-module 262 may communicate performance data withthe fourth module 250 (e.g., over a communication link, as exemplifiedby link 208) or portion of the integrated circuit 210 and process suchperformance data to ascertain one or more particular performancecharacteristics for the fourth module 250 or the integrated circuit 210.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of particular devices ormethods for monitoring various performance characteristics.

The exemplary system 200 illustrates the first sub-module 262 monitoringat least one performance characteristic of the integrated circuit 210and/or the fourth circuit module 250. The first sub-module 262 may also,for example, monitor at least one performance characteristic of othercircuit modules of the integrated circuit 210. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited by aparticular number of circuit modules for which performancecharacteristics may be monitored by the first sub-module 262.

The fifth circuit module 260 of the exemplary system 100 may comprise asecond sub-module 264, communicatively coupled to the first sub-module262, that communicates with the third circuit module 240 regarding theat least one performance characteristic monitored by the firstsub-module 262. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third circuit module 240may be internal to the integrated circuit 210. However, the thirdcircuit module 240 need not be internal to the integrated circuit 210.The scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by a particular location of the third circuit module 240.

The second sub-module 264 may communicate information with the thirdcircuit module 240. Such information may, for example, compriseinformation of the at least one monitored performance characteristic. Inan exemplary scenario where the first sub-module 262 monitors aperformance characteristic of the fourth circuit module 250 related tooperational speed, the second sub-module 264 may communicate informationregarding the monitored operational speed with the third circuit module240. For example, such information may comprise information (relative orabsolute) describing the monitored operational speed. Such informationmay, for example, comprise relatively low-resolution information (e.g.,a one-bit threshold comparison indication) or relatively high-resolutioninformation (e.g., operational speed per nanosecond resolution).

Also for example, the second sub-module 264 may communicate informationwith the third circuit module 240 that comprises performance adjustmentinformation. Such performance adjustment information may, for example,comprise a request for performance adjustment or a command forperformance adjustment. Such performance adjustment information maycomprise a request or command to adjust performance by a relative amountor by an absolute amount. In an exemplary scenario where the firstsub-module 262 monitors an energy-efficiency characteristic, the secondsub-module 264 may communicate information to the third circuit module240 indicating that the energy-efficiency level should be increased. Inanother exemplary scenario where the first sub-module 262 monitorsoperating temperature, the second sub-module 264 may communicateinformation to the third circuit module 240 indicating that theoperating temperature may be increased (or alternatively, that theoperating temperature should be reduced).

As mentioned previously, the first sub-module 262 may monitor aplurality of performance characteristics for a plurality of functionsfor a plurality of circuit modules. Accordingly, the second sub-module264 may communicate information with the third circuit module 240regarding any, some or all of such monitored characteristics.

In general, the second sub-module 264 may communicate with the thirdcircuit module 240 regarding the at least one performance characteristicmonitored by the first sub-module 262. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular monitored performance characteristic orparticular type of information that may be communicated regarding amonitored performance characteristic.

As mentioned previously, the exemplary system 200 may comprise a thirdcircuit module 240 with which the second sub-module 264 may communicateinformation regarding the at least one monitored performancecharacteristic. Also as previously discussed, the third circuit module240 may be internal to the integrated circuit 210, or the third circuitmodule 240 may be external to the integrated circuit 210. The followingdiscussion may generally refer to the third circuit module 240 as beinginternal to the integrated circuit 210. Such exemplary discussion is byno means to be construed as limiting various aspects of the thirdcircuit module 240 to an internal location relative to the integratedcircuit 210.

For example and without limitation, the third circuit module 240 maycomprise a power controller module. For example, the third circuitmodule 240 may process information received from the second sub-module264 to determine power control information utilized to control powersupply circuitry. As mentioned in the previous discussion of theexemplary third circuit module 140 of FIG. 1, the third circuit module240 may process the received information to determine power controlinformation in any of a variety of manners.

In an exemplary scenario, the third circuit module 240 may receiveinformation regarding the at least one monitored performancecharacteristic from the second sub-module 264 and process suchinformation to determine a power adjustment request (or command). Thethird circuit module 240 may then communicate the determined poweradjustment request to power supply circuitry to request that the powersupply circuitry modify various aspects of supplied electrical power.For example, the third circuit module 240 may communicate a poweradjustment request through the control interface module 286 to at leastone of the first power output module 282 and the second power outputmodule 284 of the power supply circuit 280. The power supply circuit 280may then, for example, respond to the communicated power adjustmentrequest (or command) by adjusting one or more characteristics ofelectrical power output from the power supply circuit 280.

As mentioned previously, the third circuit module 240 may receiveinformation regarding one or more monitored performance characteristicsfor a plurality of modules and/or integrated circuits. In processing thereceived information to determine power supply control information, thethird circuit module 240 may process the received information in any ofa large variety of ways.

For example and without limitation, the third circuit module 240 mayarbitrate between various modules and/or integrated circuits. Sucharbitration may, for example, comprise considering respectiveperformance goals or needs of the plurality of modules and/or integratedcircuits. Such arbitration may, for example, comprise consideringrespective priorities of the plurality of modules and/or integratedcircuits. For example, such arbitration may comprise determining powercontrol information in accordance with the performance goals or needs ofthe highest priority module. Also for example, such arbitration maycomprise determining power control information based on a priority-basedor need-based weighted average.

In an exemplary scenario, the third circuit module 240 may receiveinformation regarding monitored performance characteristics from thesecond sub-module 234 of the second circuit module 230 and from thesecond sub-module 264 of the fifth circuit module 260. The third circuitmodule 240 may, in the exemplary scenario, determine that theperformance goals or needs of the first circuit module 220 outweigh theperformance goals or needs of the fourth circuit module 250, anddetermine power supply control information based on the performancegoals or needs of the first circuit module 220 and the informationregarding the monitored performance characteristics received from thesecond circuit module 230.

Alternatively, for example, the third circuit module 240 may, in anexemplary scenario, determine that the performance goals or needs of thefirst circuit module 220 and the fourth circuit module 250 are equal,and determine power supply control information based equally on theperformance goals or needs of the first circuit module 220 and monitoredperformance characteristics received from the second circuit module 230,and on the performance goals or needs of the fourth circuit module 250and monitored performance characteristics received from the fifthcircuit module 260.

In general, such arbitration may comprise arbitrating betweenperformance goals or needs of various modules. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular arbitration scheme.

The third circuit module 240 may communicate power control informationto the power supply circuit 280 that provides electrical power to theintegrated circuit 210, first circuit module 220, fourth circuit module250 or other circuit module or integrated circuit. The third circuitmodule 240 may, for example, communicate power control information tothe power supply circuit 280 through the control interface module 286.

Such power control information may, for example, comprise controllingsignals that directly control operation of the power supply circuit 280(e.g., the first power output module 282 and/or the second power outputmodule 284). Such power control information may, for example, comprise apower supply request or command, which may be interpreted and processedby power supply circuit 280. In general, such power control informationmay, for example, comprise any of a variety of information related tomonitored performance of the integrated circuit 210, first circuitmodule 220, fourth circuit module 250, other circuit module(s), otherintegrated circuit(s), etc. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular power control information or by a particular destination forsuch power control information.

The exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previouslyis merely exemplary, and was presented to illustrate a non-limitingportion of various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should by no means belimited by characteristics of the exemplary system 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 300 for controlling performance(e.g., in an integrated circuit), in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary method 300 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with functionalitydiscussed previously with regard to the exemplary systems 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

The exemplary method 300 may begin at step 310. The exemplary method 300(and any method discussed herein) may begin in response to any of alarge variety of causes and conditions. For example and withoutlimitation, the method 300 may begin automatically when a system that isimplementing the method 300 is powered up. Alternatively, for example,the method 300 may begin in response to an explicit command to begin(e.g., a command from another module in the system or from a user).Further for example, the method 300 may begin in response to a detectedoperating condition. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular initiating events or conditions.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 320, comprise monitoring at leastone performance characteristic of at least one of the integrated circuitand a first circuit module of the integrated circuit. For example andwithout limitation, step 320 may share various characteristics with thefunctionality performed by the first sub-module 132 of the exemplarysystem 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The integrated circuit and/or first circuit module may comprise any of alarge variety of integrated circuit or module characteristics. Forexample and without limitation, the integrated circuit and/or module maycomprise signal processing circuitry, microprocessor circuitry,application-specific integrated circuitry, programmable logic arraycircuitry, memory circuitry, multi-chip module circuitry,microcontroller circuitry, etc. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular integrated circuit or module type.

As mentioned previously, monitored performance characteristics of theintegrated circuit or the first module may comprise any of a variety ofcircuit performance characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited by any particularcircuit performance characteristics.

It should be noted that exemplary step 320 may comprise monitoring oneor more performance characteristics for one or more functional aspectsof at least one of the integrated circuit and the first circuit moduleof the integrated circuit. For example, the first circuit module mayperform a plurality of functions, performance characteristic(s) of whichstep 320 may comprise monitoring. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited by a particularnumber of monitored performance characteristics or number of functionalaspects.

Also, step 320 may comprise monitoring at least one performancecharacteristic of other circuit modules of the integrated circuit.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by a particular number of circuit modules forwhich step 320 comprises monitoring at least one performancecharacteristic.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 330, comprise communicatinginformation related to the monitored at least one performancecharacteristic with a third circuit module. Such a third circuit modulemay, for example, comprise circuitry internal or external to theintegrated circuit. For example and without limitation, step 330 mayshare various characteristics with the functionality performed by thesecond sub-module 134 of the exemplary system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1and discussed previously.

The third circuit module may comprise any of a large variety ofelectrical circuit characteristics. For example and without limitation,the third circuit module may comprise characteristics of the thirdcircuit module 140′ (or 140) of the exemplary system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously. Also for example, the third circuitmodule may comprise characteristics of the third circuit module 240and/or control interface module 286 of the exemplary system 200illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

For example, the third circuit module may comprise a power controllermodule. Such a power controller module may, for example, be anindependent circuit module or an independent integrated circuit. Such apower controller module may, for example, be a component of a powersupply circuit (e.g., a power supply integrated circuit). The thirdcircuit module may, for example, comprise a power supply circuit thatprovides power to the integrated circuit and/or the first circuit moduleof the integrated circuit. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular circuit module.

The information related to the monitored at least one performancecharacteristic may comprise any of a large number of information types.For example and without limitation, such information may compriseinformation of the at least one monitored characteristic. In anexemplary scenario where step 320 comprises monitoring an operationalspeed characteristic of the integrated circuit, step 330 may comprisecommunicating information regarding the monitored operational speed withthe third circuit module. For example, such information may compriseinformation (relative or absolute) describing the monitored operationalspeed. Such information may, for example, comprise relativelylow-resolution information (e.g., a one-bit threshold comparisonindication) or relatively high-resolution information (e.g., operationalspeed per nanosecond resolution). Such information may, for example,comprise information represented in an analog or digital format.

Also for example, step 330 may comprise communicating information withthe third circuit module that comprises performance adjustmentinformation. Such performance adjustment information may, for example,comprise a request for performance adjustment or a command forperformance adjustment. Such performance adjustment information maycomprise a request or command to adjust performance by a relative amountor by an absolute amount. In an exemplary scenario where step 320comprises monitoring an energy-efficiency characteristic, step 330 maycomprise communicating information to the third circuit moduleindicating that the energy-efficiency level should be increased (e.g.,by an increment or a particular amount). In another exemplary scenariowhere step 320 comprises monitoring an operating temperaturecharacteristic, step 330 may comprise communicating information to thethird circuit module indicating that the operating temperature may beincreased (or alternatively, that the operating temperature should bereduced).

Step 330 may, for example, also comprise determining the information tocommunicate to the third circuit module. Such a determination may varysubstantially in complexity. For example, in a first exemplary scenario,step 330 may comprise performing an array of signal processing and/orinformation communicating activities (e.g., A/D conversion, datamanipulation, data packaging, one or two-way data communication, etc.).In a second exemplary scenario, step 330 may comprise merely forwardingthe information obtained at step 320. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular degrees of information processing orcommunicating complexity. Additional exemplary aspects of determiningthe information to communicate to the third circuit module will bediscussed regarding the exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4.

As mentioned previously, step 320 may comprise monitoring a plurality ofperformance characteristics for a plurality of functional aspects of aplurality of circuit modules and/or the integrated circuit. Accordingly,step 330 may comprise communicating information with the third circuitmodule regarding any, some or all of such monitored characteristics.

In general, exemplary step 330 may comprise communicating with a thirdcircuit module, which may be internal or external to the integratedcircuit, regarding the at least one performance characteristic monitoredat step 320. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by aspects of a particular monitoredperformance characteristic or particular type of information that may becommunicated regarding a monitored performance characteristic.

The exemplary method 300 may, at step 350, comprise performing continuedprocessing. Such continued processing 350 may, in the exemplary method300 and all methods discussed herein, comprise characteristics for anyof a large variety of continued processing. Such continued processing350 may, for example, comprise looping back to repeat previous steps ofthe method 300. Such continued processing 350 may, for example, compriseentering a wait state before repeating previous steps. Also for example,such continued processing 350 may comprise performing additional powercontrol processing. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular type of continued processing.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for controlling power, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplarymethod 400 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 anddiscussed previously. Further for example, the exemplary method 400 mayshare various characteristics with functionality discussed previouslywith regard to the exemplary systems 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 420, comprise monitoring (e.g.,internal to an integrated circuit) at least one performancecharacteristic of at least one of the integrated circuit and a firstcircuit module of the integrated circuit. For example and withoutlimitation, step 420 may share various characteristics with step 320 ofthe exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously.Also for example, step 420 may share various characteristics with thefunctionality performed by the first sub-module 132 of the exemplarysystem 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously andfunctionality performed by the first sub-module 232 of the secondcircuit module 230 of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 430, comprise monitoring (e.g.,internal to the integrated circuit) at least one performancecharacteristic of a second circuit module of the integrated circuit. Forexample, step 430 may share various characteristics with step 420,albeit with regard to a second circuit module rather than the firstcircuit module.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 440, comprise determining powercontrol information from an analysis of at least a portion ofperformance characteristics monitored at steps 420 and 430. For exampleand without limitation, step 440 may share various characteristics withthe functionality discussed previously with regard to the secondsub-module 134 and third circuit module 140 of the exemplary system 100illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously, and with the thirdcircuit module 240 of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 anddiscussed previously.

Such power control information may, for example, comprise controllingsignals that directly control operation of the power supply circuitry.Such power control information may, for example, comprise a power supplyrequest or command, which may be interpreted and processed by powersupply circuitry that receives such a request or command. Such powercontrol information may, for example, comprise any of a variety ofinformation related to monitored performance characteristics monitoredat steps 420 and 430. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of particularpower control information.

Step 440 may comprise determining power control information by analyzingthe performance characteristics monitored at steps 420 and 430 in any ofa variety of ways. For example and without limitation, step 440 maycomprise arbitrating between various modules and/or integrated circuits.Such arbitration may, for example, comprise considering respectiveperformance goals or needs of the plurality of modules and/or integratedcircuits. Such arbitration may, for example, comprise consideringrespective priorities of the plurality of modules and/or integratedcircuits. For example, such arbitration may comprise determining powercontrol information in accordance with the performance goals or needs ofthe highest priority module. Also for example, such arbitration maycomprise determining power control information based on a priority-basedor need-based weighted average.

In an exemplary scenario, step 440 may comprise processing informationregarding performance characteristics of a first circuit module (e.g.,as monitored at step 420) and information regarding performancecharacteristics of a second circuit module (e.g., as monitored at step430). Step 440 may, in the exemplary scenario, comprise determining thatthe performance goals or needs of the first circuit module outweigh theperformance goals or needs of the second circuit module, and determiningpower supply control information based on the performance goals or needsof the first circuit module and the information regarding performancecharacteristics of the first circuit module.

In another exemplary scenario, step 440 may comprise processinginformation regarding performance characteristics of a first circuitmodule (e.g., as monitored at step 420) and information regardingperformance characteristics of a second circuit module (e.g., asmonitored at step 430). Step 440 may, in the exemplary scenario,comprise determining that the performance goals or needs of the firstcircuit module are equal to the performance goals or needs of the secondcircuit module, and determining power supply control information basedequally on the performance goals or needs of the first circuit moduleand the information regarding performance characteristics of the firstcircuit module, and with the performance goals or needs of the secondcircuit module and the information regarding performance characteristicsof the second circuit module.

In still another exemplary scenario, step 440 may comprise processinginformation regarding performance characteristics of a first circuitmodule (e.g., as monitored at step 420) and information regardingperformance characteristics of a second circuit module (e.g., asmonitored at step 430). Step 440 may, in the exemplary scenario,comprise determining that the performance goals or needs of the firstcircuit module are prioritized higher than the performance goals orneeds of the second circuit module, and determining power supply controlinformation based on a priority-based weighted average of theperformance goals or needs of the first circuit module and theinformation regarding performance characteristics of the first circuitmodule, and the performance goals or needs of the second circuit moduleand the information regarding performance characteristics of the secondcircuit module.

In general, exemplary step 440 may comprise determining power controlinformation from an analysis of performance characteristics monitored atsteps 420 and 430. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular analysis or determination of power control information.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 450, comprise communicating thepower control information (e.g., as determined at step 440) to powersupply circuitry that provides electrical power to the first and secondcircuit modules. For example and without limitation, step 450 may sharevarious characteristics with step 330 of the exemplary method 300illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously. Also for example, step450 may share various characteristics with functionality performed bythe second sub-module 134 and third circuit module 140 of the exemplarysystem 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously, and with thethird circuit module 240 of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG.2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 400 discussed above presents an exemplaryillustration comprising monitoring performance characteristics of firstand second circuit modules (or the integrated circuit) and determiningpower control information based, at least in part, on such monitoredperformance characteristics. It should be noted that various aspects ofthe exemplary illustration are readily extensible to systems comprisingany number of circuit modules. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited to a particular number ofcircuit modules for which performance characteristics may be monitoredand utilized to determine power control information.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of an exemplary performance control system 500,in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. For exampleand without limitation, the exemplary system 500 may share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary systems 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS.1-2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 500 may comprise a first electrical device 510 thatreceives electrical power 511. The first electrical device 510 maycomprise characteristics of any of a large variety of electricaldevices. For example and without limitation, the first electrical device510 may comprise a signal processing circuit, a microprocessor, anapplication-specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic array, amemory circuit, a multi-chip module, a microcontroller, variouscombinations of active and/or passive components, etc. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular electrical device type.

The exemplary system 500 may comprise an integrated circuit 520. Theelectrical device 510 may, for example, be external to the integratedcircuit 520. The integrated circuit 520 may, in turn, comprise a firstmodule 522, a second module 524 and a third module 526. The first module522 may be communicatively coupled to the second module 524, which mayin turn, be communicatively coupled to the third module 526.

For example and without limitation, the first module 522 may sharevarious characteristics with the first sub-modules 132, 232, 262 of theexemplary systems 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussedpreviously.

The exemplary first module 522 may, for example, comprise a performancemonitor module that monitors performance characteristics andcommunicates information related to such monitoring activity. The firstmodule 522 may, for example, monitor at least one performancecharacteristic of the first electrical device 510.

As discussed previously, monitored performance characteristics maycomprise any of a variety of circuit performance characteristics.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by any particular circuit performancecharacteristics.

It should be noted that the first module 522 may monitor one or moreperformance characteristics for the first electrical device 510.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by a particular number of performancecharacteristics that may be monitored.

Note that the first module 522 may utilize any of a large variety ofknown or yet to be developed devices or mechanisms (e.g., performancesensors, detectors, hardware, software, etc.) to monitor performancecharacteristics. For example and without limitation, the first module522 may utilize a performance sensor or other circuitry incorporated inthe first electrical device 510, incorporated in the integrated circuit520 (e.g., as indicated by item 508) or elsewhere in the system 500(e.g., as indicated by item 509). Also for example, the first module 522may communicate performance data with the first electrical device 510and process such performance data to ascertain one or more particularperformance characteristics for the first electrical device 510.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of particular devices ormethods for monitoring various electrical power characteristics.

The exemplary system 500 illustrates the first module 522 monitoring atleast one performance characteristic of the first electrical device 510.The first module 522 may also, for example, monitor at least oneperformance characteristic of other electrical devices. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby a particular number of devices for which performance characteristicsmay be monitored by the first module 522.

The exemplary integrated circuit 520 may comprise a second module 524with which the first module 522 may communicate information regardingthe at least one monitored performance characteristic. For example andwithout limitation, the second module 524 may comprise a powercontroller module. For example, the second module 524 may processperformance characteristic information received from the first module522 to determine power control information, which may be utilized tocontrol power supply circuitry. The second module 524 may process thereceived performance characteristic information to determine powercontrol information in any of a variety of manners.

For example and without limitation, the second module 524 may compareinformation of monitored performance to performance goal information.The second module 524 may, for example, determine whether the firstelectrical device 510 (and/or other device) is achieving performancegoals. Such performance goals may, for example and without limitation,comprise goals related to processing speed, response time, operatingtemperature, energy consumption, energy-efficiency, error rate, datathroughput, etc.

The second module 524 may, for example, determine whether a performanceadjustment is desired. The second module 524 may also, for example,determine how much of a performance adjustment is desired. Suchdetermination(s) may, for example, comprise balancing variousperformance goals, which may be complementary or adversely related. Thesecond module 524 may then, for example, correlate performance or aperformance change to various power supply characteristic(s). The secondmodule 524 may, for example, determine power control request or commandsignals to communicate with other circuitry, where the request orcommand signals are designed to provide for control over one or morepower supply characteristics.

In an exemplary scenario, the second module 524 may process informationof monitored performance characteristics from the first module 522 anddetermine that, while data processing speed is substantially exceedingthe minimum data processing speed goal, energy consumption is in excessof the maximum energy consumption goal. The second module 524 may then,for example, determine that a 2% decrease in power supply voltage levelwill decrease the energy consumption below the maximum energyconsumption goal, while still providing for data processing speed at orabove the minimum data processing speed goal. The second module 524 maythen, for example, determine power control information that, whenprocessed by power supply circuitry, may cause such a 2% decrease inpower supply voltage level.

In another exemplary scenario, the second module 524 may processinformation of monitored performance characteristics from the firstmodule 522 and determine that, while the communication error rate issubstantially below the maximum error rate goal, the operatingtemperature is above the maximum temperature goal. The second module 524may then, for example, determine that a 1.5% reduction in power supplyvoltage level will decrease operating temperature below the maximumtemperature goal, while still meeting the error rate goal. The secondmodule 524 may then, for example, determine power control informationthat, when processed by power supply circuitry, may cause such a 1.5%reduction in power supply voltage level.

In a further exemplary scenario, the second module 524 may processinformation of monitored performance characteristics from the firstmodule 522 and determine that energy-efficiency goals are comfortablybeing met, while data throughput rate goals are not being met due topower supply voltage instability. The second module 524 may then, forexample, determine that a 20% increase in power supply switching ratemay reduce voltage variation below an acceptable maximum level, whilestill meeting energy-efficiency goals. The second module 524 may then,for example, determine power control information that, when processed bypower supply circuitry, may cause such a 20% increase in power supplyswitching rate.

As mentioned previously, the second module 524 may receive informationof one or more monitored performance characteristics for a plurality ofelectrical devices (e.g., external to the integrated circuit 520). Inprocessing the received information to determine power supply controlinformation, the second module 524 may process the received informationin any of a large variety of ways.

For example and without limitation, the second module 524 may arbitratebetween various electrical devices. Such arbitration may, for example,comprise considering respective performance goals or needs of theplurality of electrical devices. Such arbitration may, for example,comprise considering respective priorities of the plurality ofelectrical devices. For example, such arbitration may comprisedetermining power control information in accordance with the performancegoals or needs of the highest priority electrical device. Also forexample, such arbitration may comprise determining power controlinformation based on a priority-based or need-based weighted average. Ingeneral, such arbitration may comprise arbitrating between performancegoals or needs of various electrical devices. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular arbitration scheme.

The third module 526 may receive the power control informationdetermined by the second module 524 and communicate the power controlinformation to a second electrical device 530 (e.g., external to theintegrated circuit 520). The third module 526 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with the secondsub-module 134 and third circuit module 140 of the exemplary system 100and the second sub-modules 234, 264 and third circuit module 240 of theexemplary system 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussedpreviously.

The second electrical device 530 may, for example and withoutlimitation, comprise power managing and/or power supply circuitry. Thesecond electrical device 530 may, for example, provide electrical powerto the integrated circuit 520, first electrical device 510, or otherelectrical device(s). The second electrical device 530 may comprise anyof a variety of circuitry, and accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular type of electrical device.

The power control information may, for example, comprise controllingsignals that directly control operation of power supply circuitry. Suchpower control information may, for example, comprise a power supplyrequest or command, which may be interpreted and processed by powersupply circuitry that receives such a request or command. Such powercontrol information may, for example, comprise any of a variety ofinformation related to monitored performance of the first electricaldevice 510 or other electrical devices. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular power control information or by aparticular destination for such power control information.

The complexity of the third module 526 may vary substantially, dependingon the circuit and/or system architecture. For example, in a firstexemplary scenario, the third module 526 may comprise a plurality ofsignal processing sub-circuits, each of which performs a signalprocessing or communicating activity (e.g., A/D conversion, datamanipulation, data packaging, one or two-way data communication, etc.).In a second exemplary scenario, the third module 526 may comprise a mereconduit (e.g., a wire or optical path) for information determined by thesecond module 524. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of particulardegrees of module complexity.

In general, the third module 526 may communicate with a secondelectrical device 530, external to the integrated circuit 520, regardingthe power control information determined by the second module 540.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular monitoredperformance characteristic or a particular type of information that maybe communicated regarding a monitored performance characteristic.

The exemplary system 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previouslyis merely exemplary and was presented to illustrate a non-limitingportion of various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should by no means belimited by characteristics of the exemplary system 500.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an exemplary power control system 600, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplarysystem 600 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary system 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary system 600 may comprise a first electrical device 610 thatreceives electrical power 611. The exemplary system 600 may alsocomprise a second electrical device 615 that receives electrical power616. Such received electrical power 611, 616 may, for example, compriseelectrical power received at a single power input or a plurality ofpower inputs. For example and without limitation, received electricalpower may comprise power received at a plurality of electrical voltagelevels.

The first and second electrical devices 610, 615 may comprisecharacteristics of any of a large variety of electrical devices. Forexample and without limitation, the first and second electrical devices610, 615 may comprise signal processing circuitry, microprocessorcircuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry, programmable logicarray circuitry, a memory circuit, a plurality of coupled sub-circuits,a microcontroller circuit, etc. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular circuit type.

The exemplary system 600 may comprise a power supply circuit 640 thatprovides electrical power 611, 616 to the first and second electricaldevices 610, 615. The exemplary power supply circuit 640 may comprise afirst power output module 642 that outputs electrical power 611 to thefirst electrical device 610. The exemplary power supply circuit 640 mayalso, for example, comprise a second power output module 644 thatoutputs electrical power 616 to the second electrical device 615. Notethat the second power output from the power supply circuit 640 may, forexample, be output from the second power output module 644 or may (asindicated by the dashed line) be output from the first power outputmodule 642. Accordingly, the second power output 616 from the powersupply circuit 640 may be related to the first power output 611 or maybe independent.

The exemplary power supply circuit 640 may, for example, comprise acontrol interface module 646 through which electrical devices externalto the power supply circuit 640 may communicate with the power supplycircuit 640. For example and without limitation, electrical devicesexternal to the power supply circuit 640 may utilize the controlinterface module 646 to communicate power control information to thepower supply circuit 640.

The power supply circuit 640 may comprise any of a large variety ofpower supply circuit characteristics. For example and withoutlimitation, the power supply circuit 640 may be an independent powersupply integrated circuit. The power supply circuit 640 may, forexample, comprise discrete active and passive electrical components. Thepower supply circuit 640 may, for example, comprise one or more linearor non-linear regulators. The power supply circuit 640 may, for example,comprise one or more switching regulator circuits (e.g., circuitryrelated to buck, boost, buck-boost or charge pump architectures). Thepower supply circuit 640 may, for example, comprise analog, digital orhybrid circuitry. The power supply circuit 640 may, for example,comprise one or more independently controllable outputs. Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of a particular type of power supply circuit.

The exemplary integrated circuit 620 may comprise a first module 622that monitors at least one performance characteristic of the firstelectrical device 610. The first module 622 may also monitor at leastone performance characteristic of the second electrical device 615. Thefirst module 622 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the first module 522 of the exemplary system 500illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previously.

Note that the first module 622 may utilize any of a large variety ofknown or yet to be developed devices or mechanisms (e.g., performancesensors, detectors, hardware, software, etc.) to monitor performancecharacteristics. For example and without limitation, the first module622 may utilize a performance sensor or other circuitry incorporated inthe first and/or second electrical devices 610, 615, incorporated in theintegrated circuit 620 (e.g., as indicated by item 608) or elsewhere inthe system 600 (e.g., as indicated by item 609). Also for example, thefirst module 622 may communicate performance data with the first and/orsecond electrical devices 610, 615 and process such performance data toascertain one or more particular performance characteristics for thefirst and/or second electrical devices 610, 615. Accordingly, the scopeof various aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular devices or methods for monitoring variouselectrical power characteristics.

The exemplary integrated circuit 620 may comprise a second module 624with which the first module 622 may communicate information regardingthe at least one monitored performance characteristic. The second module624 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary second module 524 illustrated in FIG.5 and discussed previously.

For example and without limitation, the second module 624 may comprise apower controller module. For example, the second module 624 may processperformance characteristic information received from the first module622 to determine power control information, which may be utilized tocontrol power supply circuitry (e.g., the power supply circuit 640).Various non-limiting aspects of such power control information werepresented previously. As discussed previously with regard to the secondmodule 524 of FIG. 5, the second module 624 may process receivedperformance characteristic information to determine power controlinformation in any of a variety of manners.

The second module 624 may, for example, receive information of one ormore monitored performance characteristics for a plurality of electricaldevices (e.g., the first and second electrical devices 610, 615). Thefollowing discussion will refer to monitored performance characteristicsfor the first and second electrical devices 610, 615. However, it mustbe noted that the discussion is readily extensible to scenariosinvolving any number of electrical devices. In processing the receivedinformation to determine power supply control information, the secondmodule 624 may process such received information in any of a largevariety of ways.

For example and without limitation, the second module 624 may arbitratebetween the first electrical device 610 and the second electricaldevices 615. Non-limiting illustrative examples of such arbitration werediscussed previously. Such arbitration may, for example, compriseconsidering respective performance goals or needs of the firstelectrical device 610 and the second electrical device 615. Sucharbitration may, for example, comprise considering respective prioritiesof the first electrical device 610 and the second electrical devices615. For example, such arbitration may comprise determining powercontrol information in accordance with the performance goals or needs ofthe highest priority electrical device. Also for example, sucharbitration may comprise determining power control information based ona priority-based or need-based weighted average. In general, sucharbitration may comprise arbitrating between performance needs ofvarious electrical devices. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular arbitration scheme.

The third module 626 may receive the power control informationdetermined by the second module 624 and communicate the power controlinformation to another module within the integrated circuit 620 or anelectrical device external to the integrated circuit 620. The thirdmodule 626 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the third module 526 illustrated in FIG. 5 anddiscussed previously.

In the exemplary system 600, the third module 626 communicates the powercontrol information to the power supply circuit 640, discussedpreviously. The third module 626 may, for example, communicate the powercontrol information with the power supply circuit 640 through thecontrol interface module 646 of the power supply circuit 640.

In an exemplary scenario, the second module 624 may receive informationregarding the at least one monitored power characteristic from the firstmodule 622 and process such information to determine a power adjustmentrequest (or command). The third module 624 may then communicate thedetermined power adjustment request to the power supply circuit 640 torequest that the power supply circuit 640 modify various aspects ofsupplied electrical power. For example, the third module 626 maycommunicate a power adjustment request through the control interfacemodule 646 to at least one of the first power output module 642 and thesecond power output module 644 of the power supply circuit 640. Thepower supply circuit 640 may then, for example, respond to thecommunicated power adjustment request (or command) by adjusting one ormore characteristics of electrical power output from the power supplycircuit 640.

The exemplary system 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previouslyis merely exemplary, and was presented to illustrate a non-limitingportion of various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should by no means belimited by characteristics of the exemplary system 600.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700 for controlling performance,in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Theexemplary method 700 may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with the functionality performed by theexemplary systems 500, 600 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and discussedpreviously. The exemplary method may further, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the exemplary methods300, 400 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 700 may, at step 720, comprise monitoring at leastone performance characteristic of a first electrical device (for exampleand without limitation, an electrical device external to the integratedcircuit performing the method 700). For example and without limitation,step 720 may share various characteristics with the functionalityperformed by the first module 522 of the exemplary integrated circuit520 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previously.

The first electrical device may comprise any of a large variety ofcircuit characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular electrical device or circuit type.

As mentioned previously, monitored performance characteristics of anelectrical device may comprise any of a variety of circuit performancecharacteristics. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by any particular circuitperformance characteristics.

It should be noted that exemplary step 720 may comprise monitoring oneor more performance characteristics for one or more functional aspectsof the first electrical device. For example, the first electrical devicemay perform a plurality of functions, characteristic(s) of which step720 may comprise monitoring. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by a particular number ofmonitored performance characteristics or number of functional aspects ofan electrical device.

Also, step 720 may comprise monitoring at least one performancecharacteristic of other electrical devices, some of which may beinternal or external to the integrated circuit. Accordingly, the scopeof various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by aparticular number or location of electrical devices for which step 720may comprise monitoring at least one performance characteristic.

The exemplary method 700 may, at step 730, comprise determining powercontrol information based, at least in part, on the performancecharacteristics monitored at step 720. Step 730 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various functional characteristics with thesecond modules 524, 624 illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 and discussedpreviously.

For example, step 730 may comprise processing information of performancecharacteristics monitored at step 720 to determine power controlinformation, which may be utilized to control power supply circuitry.Step 730 may, for example, comprise processing such performancecharacteristic information to determine power control information in anyof a variety of manners.

For example and without limitation, step 730 may comprise comparinginformation of monitored performance to performance goal information.Step 730 may, for example, comprise determining whether the firstexternal electrical device (and/or other device) is achievingperformance goals. Such performance goals may, for example and withoutlimitation, comprise goals related to processing speed, response time,operating temperature, energy consumption, energy-efficiency, errorrate, data throughput, etc.

Step 730 may, for example, comprise determining whether a performanceadjustment is desired. Step 730 may also, for example, comprisedetermining how much of a performance adjustment is desired. Suchdetermination(s) may, for example, comprise balancing variousperformance goals, which may be complementary or adversely related. Step730 may then, for example, comprise correlating performance or aperformance change to various power supply characteristic(s). Step 730may, for example, comprise determining power control request or commandsignals to communicate with other circuitry, where the request orcommand signals are designed to provide for control over one or morepower supply characteristics.

In an exemplary scenario, step 730 may comprise processing informationof monitored performance characteristics from the first electricaldevice (e.g., as monitored at step 720) and determining that, while dataprocessing speed is substantially exceeding the minimum goal, energyconsumption is in excess of the maximum goal. Step 730 may then, forexample, comprise determining that a 2% decrease in power supply voltagelevel will decrease the energy consumption below the maximum energyconsumption goal, while still providing for data processing speed at orabove the minimum data processing speed goal. Step 730 may then, forexample, comprise determining power control information that, whenprocessed by power supply circuitry, may cause such a 2% decrease inpower supply voltage level.

In another exemplary scenario, step 730 may comprise processinginformation of monitored performance characteristics from the firstelectrical device (e.g., as monitored at step 720) and determining that,while the communication error rate is substantially below the maximumerror rate goal, the operating temperature is above the maximumtemperature goal. Step 730 may then, for example, comprise determiningthat a 1.5% reduction in power supply voltage level will decreaseoperating temperature below the maximum temperature goal, while stillmeeting the error rate goal. Step 730 may then, for example, comprisedetermining power control information that, when processed by powersupply circuitry, may cause such a 1.5% reduction in power supplyvoltage level.

In a further exemplary scenario, step 730 may comprise processinginformation of monitored performance characteristics from the externalelectrical device (e.g., as monitored at step 720) and determining thatenergy-efficiency goals are comfortably being met, while data throughputrate goals are not being met due to power supply voltage instability.Step 730 may then, for example, comprise determining that a 20% increasein power supply switching rate may reduce voltage variations below anacceptable maximum level, while still meeting energy-efficiency goals.Step 730 may then, for example, comprise determining power controlinformation that, when processed by power supply circuitry, may causesuch a 20% increase in power supply switching rate.

Step 730 may comprise processing performance characteristic informationof one or more monitored performance characteristics for a plurality ofelectrical devices (e.g., as monitored at step 720). In processing theperformance characteristic information to determine power supply controlinformation, step 730 may comprise processing the received informationin any of a large variety of ways.

For example and without limitation, step 730 may comprise arbitratingbetween various electrical devices. Such arbitration may, for example,comprise considering respective performance goals or needs of theplurality of electrical devices. Such arbitration may, for example,comprise considering respective priorities of the plurality ofelectrical devices. For example, such arbitration may comprisedetermining power control information in accordance with the performancegoals or needs of the highest priority electrical device. Also forexample, such arbitration may comprise determining power controlinformation based on a priority-based or need-based weighted average. Ingeneral, such arbitration may comprise arbitrating between performancegoals or needs of various electrical devices. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular arbitration scheme.

The exemplary method 700 may, at step 740, comprise communicating atleast a portion of the power control information (e.g., as determined atstep 730) with a second electrical device (for example and withoutlimitation, a second electrical device that is external to the firstintegrated circuit and the first electrical device). Step 740 may, forexample and without limitation, share various functional characteristicswith the third modules 526, 626 illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 and discussedpreviously.

Such a second electrical device may, for example and without limitation,comprise power managing and/or power supply circuitry. The secondelectrical device may, for example, provide electrical power to theintegrated circuit, first electrical device, or other electricaldevice(s). Note however, that the second electrical device is notnecessarily related to power supply circuitry.

Such power control information may, for example, comprise controllingsignals that directly control operation of power supply circuitry. Suchpower control information may, for example, comprise a power supplyrequest or command, which may be interpreted and processed by powersupply circuitry that receives such a request or command. Such powercontrol information may, for example, comprise any of a variety ofinformation related to monitored performance of the first electricaldevice, other electrical devices, etc. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular power control information or by aparticular destination for such power control information.

Step 740 may comprise performing functionality of varying complexity.For example, in a first exemplary scenario, step 740 may compriseperforming a plurality of signal processing functions, each of which maycomprise performing a signal processing or communicating activity (e.g.,A/D conversion, data manipulation, data packaging, one or two-way datacommunication, etc.). In a second exemplary scenario, step 740 maycomprise merely forwarding information determined at step 730 to thesecond electrical device. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular degrees of processing and/or communication complexity.

In general, step 740 may comprise communicating with a second electricaldevice (e.g., external to the integrated circuit) regarding the powercontrol information determined at step 730. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular monitored performance characteristic ora particular type of information that may be determined from a monitoredperformance characteristic.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method 800 for controlling power, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplarymethod 800 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 anddiscussed previously. Further for example, the exemplary method 800 mayshare various characteristics with functionality discussed previouslywith regard to the exemplary systems 500, 600 illustrated in FIGS. 5-6and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 800 may, at step 820, comprise monitoring at leastone performance characteristic of a first electrical device (for exampleand without limitation, an electrical device external to the integratedcircuit performing the method 800). For example and without limitation,step 820 may share various characteristics with step 820 of theexemplary method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and discussed previously.Also for example, step 720 may share various characteristics with thefunctionality performed by the first modules 522, 622 illustrated inFIGS. 5-6 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 800 may, at step 830, comprise monitoring at leastone performance characteristic of a second electrical device (forexample and without limitation, an electrical device external to theintegrated circuit performing the method 800). For example and withoutlimitation, step 830 may share various characteristics with step 820,albeit with regard to a second electrical device rather than the firstelectrical device.

The exemplary method 800 may, at step 840, comprise determining powercontrol information from an analysis of performance characteristic(s)monitored at steps 820 and 830. For example and without limitation, step840 may share various characteristics with step 730 of the exemplarymethod 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and discussed previously. Also forexample, step 840 may share various characteristics with thefunctionality discussed previously with regard to the second modules524, 624 of the exemplary systems 500, 600 illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 anddiscussed previously.

Such power control information may, for example, comprise controllingsignals that directly control operation of power supply circuitry. Suchpower control information may, for example, comprise a power supplyrequest or command, which may be interpreted and processed by powersupply circuitry that receives such a request or command. Such powercontrol information may, for example, comprise any of a variety ofinformation types related to performance characteristics monitored atsteps 820 and 830. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of particularpower control information.

Step 840 may comprise determining power control information by analyzingthe performance characteristics monitored at steps 820 and 830 in any ofa variety of ways. For example and without limitation, step 840 maycomprise arbitrating between various electrical devices (e.g., the firstand second electrical devices). Such arbitration may, for example,comprise considering respective performance goals or needs of theplurality of electrical devices. Such arbitration may, for example,comprise considering respective priorities of the electrical devices.For example, such arbitration may comprise determining power controlinformation in accordance with the performance goals or needs of thehighest priority electrical device. Also for example, such arbitrationmay comprise determining power control information based on apriority-based or need-based weighted average.

In an exemplary scenario, step 840 may comprise processing informationregarding performance characteristics of a first electrical device(e.g., as monitored at step 820) and information regarding performancecharacteristics of a second electrical device (e.g., as monitored atstep 830). Step 840 may, in the exemplary scenario, comprise determiningthat the performance goals or needs of the first electrical deviceoutweigh the performance goals or needs of the second electrical device,and determining power supply control information based on theperformance goals or needs of the first electrical device and theinformation regarding performance characteristics of the firstelectrical device.

In another exemplary scenario, step 840 may comprise processinginformation regarding performance characteristics of a first electricaldevice (e.g., as monitored at step 820) and information regardingperformance characteristics of a second electrical device (e.g., asmonitored at step 830). Step 840 may, in the exemplary scenario,comprise determining that the performance goals or needs of the firstelectrical device are equal to the performance goals or needs of thesecond electrical device, and determining power supply controlinformation based equally on the performance goals or needs of the firstelectrical device and associated information regarding performancecharacteristics of the first electrical device, and with the performancegoals or needs of the second electrical device and associatedinformation regarding performance characteristics of the secondelectrical device.

In still another exemplary scenario, step 840 may comprise processinginformation regarding performance characteristics of a first electricaldevice (e.g., as monitored at step 820) and information regardingperformance characteristics of a second electrical device (e.g., asmonitored at step 830). Step 840 may, in the exemplary scenario,comprise determining that the performance goals or needs of the firstelectrical device are prioritized higher than the performance goals orneeds of the second electrical device, and determining power supplycontrol information based on a priority-based weighted average of theperformance goals or needs of the first electrical device and associatedinformation regarding performance characteristics of the firstelectrical device, and the performance goals or needs of the secondelectrical device and associated information regarding performancecharacteristics of the second electrical device.

In general, exemplary step 840 may comprise determining power controlinformation from an analysis of performance characteristics monitored atsteps 820 and 830. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular analysis or determination of power control information.

The exemplary method 800 may, at step 850, comprise communicating thepower control information (e.g., as determined at step 840) to powersupply circuitry that provides the electrical power to the first andsecond electrical devices. For example and without limitation, step 850may share various characteristics with step 740 of the exemplary method700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and discussed previously. Also for example,step 850 may share various characteristics with functionality performedby the third modules 526, 626 of the exemplary systems 500, 600illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 800 discussed above presents an exemplaryillustration comprising monitoring characteristics of receivedelectrical power at first and second electrical devices and determiningpower control information based, at least in part, on such monitoredperformance characteristics. It should be noted that various aspects ofthe exemplary illustration are readily extensible to systems comprisingany number of electrical devices. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited to a particularnumber of electrical devices for which performance characteristics ofreceived electrical power may be monitored and utilized to determinepower control information.

The previous discussion has presented exemplary illustrations of variousaspects of the present invention. At various times, the previousdiscussion has referred to circuits, electrical devices, modules andintegrated circuits. Such terms may often be interchangeable. It shouldbe noted that various aspects of the present invention may be performedby hardware, a processor executing software instructions, or acombination thereof. Further, various aspects of the present inventionmay be performed by local modules or sub-systems or by a distributednetwork of modules or sub-systems. For example, various aspects of thepresent invention may be performed by modules integrated into a singleintegrated circuit or by a set of integrated circuits. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of any particular implementation.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a systemand method for controlling electrical power and/or performance based onmonitored performance characteristics. While the invention has beendescribed with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, butthat the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. An integrated circuit comprising: a first module that operates toreceive electrical power and perform a function; and at least a secondmodule that operates to, at least: monitor a performance characteristicof one or both of the first module and the integrated circuit; in afirst operating mode, determine power control information based, atleast in part, on the monitored performance characteristic and a firstperformance goal for the monitored performance characteristic; in asecond operating mode, determine power control information based, atleast in part, on the monitored performance characteristic and a secondperformance goal for the monitored performance characteristic, where thesecond performance goal is different from the first performance goal;and communicate the determined power control information with a thirdmodule.
 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the at least asecond module operates to: monitor a second performance characteristicof one or both of the first module and the integrated circuit, where thesecond performance characteristic is different from the performancecharacteristic; and in the first operating mode, determine the powercontrol information based, at least in part, on the monitoredperformance characteristic and the second monitored performancecharacteristic.
 3. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein, in thefirst operating mode, the at least a second module operates to determinethe power control information by, at least in part, operating to balancebetween a plurality of different types of performance goals.
 4. Theintegrated circuit of claim 1, wherein, in the first operating mode, theat least a second module operates to determine the power controlinformation by, at least in part, operating to arbitrate between aplurality of different modules of the integrated circuit.
 5. Theintegrated circuit of claim 4, wherein, in the first operating mode, theat least a second module operates to arbitrate between the plurality ofdifferent modules of the integrated circuit based, at least in part, onrespective priorities of the plurality of different modules.
 6. Theintegrated circuit of claim 1, where the third module operates toperform power control functionality.
 7. The integrated circuit of claim1, where the third module is external to the integrated circuit.
 8. Theintegrated circuit of claim 1, where the performance characteristiccomprises processing speed.
 9. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherethe performance characteristic comprises temperature.
 10. The integratedcircuit of claim 1, where the performance characteristic comprises errorrate.
 11. The integrated circuit of claim 1, where the performancecharacteristic comprises one or both of energy consumption and energyefficiency.
 12. The integrated circuit of claim 1, comprising aperformance sensor that the at least a second module utilizes to monitorthe performance characteristic.
 13. The integrated circuit of claim 1,where the power control information comprises power adjustmentinformation related to a change in the monitored performancecharacteristic.
 14. In an integrated circuit, a method for controllingelectrical power, the method comprising: in the integrated circuit:receiving electrical power at a first circuit module of the integratedcircuit and utilizing the electrical power to perform a function;monitoring a performance characteristic of one or both of the firstcircuit module and the integrated circuit; in a first operating mode,determining power control information based, at least in part, on themonitored performance characteristic and a first performance goal forthe monitored performance characteristic; in a second operating mode,determining power control information based, at least in part, on themonitored performance characteristic and a second performance goal forthe monitored performance characteristic, where the second performancegoal is different from the first performance goal; and communicating thedetermined power control information with a third circuit module. 15.The method of claim 14, comprising: monitoring a second performancecharacteristic of one or both of the first circuit module and theintegrated circuit, where the second performance characteristic isdifferent from the performance characteristic; and in the firstoperating mode, determining the power control information based, atleast in part, on the monitored performance characteristic and thesecond monitored performance characteristic.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein, in the first operating mode, said determining power controlinformation comprises balancing between a plurality of different typesof performance goals.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein, in the firstoperating mode, said determining power control information comprisesarbitrating between a plurality of different circuit modules of theintegrated circuit.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said arbitratingcomprises arbitrating between the plurality of different circuit modulesof the integrated circuit based, at least in part, on respectivepriorities of the plurality of different circuit modules.
 19. The methodof claim 14, where the third circuit module performs power controlfunctionality.
 20. The method of claim 14, where the third circuitmodule is external to the integrated circuit.
 21. The method of claim14, wherein the performance characteristic comprises processing speed.22. The method of claim 14, wherein the performance characteristiccomprises temperature.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein theperformance characteristic comprises error rate.
 24. The method of claim14, wherein the performance characteristic comprises one or both ofenergy consumption and energy efficiency.
 25. The method of claim 14,wherein said monitoring comprises monitoring the performancecharacteristic utilizing a performance sensor on-board the integratedcircuit.
 26. The method of claim 14, wherein the power controlinformation comprises power adjustment information related to a changein the monitored performance characteristic.
 27. An integrated circuitcomprising: a first module that operates to receive electrical power andperform a function; and at least a second module that operates to, atleast: monitor a performance characteristic of one or both of the firstmodule and the integrated circuit; in a first operating mode, determinepower control information based, at least in part, on the monitoredperformance characteristic and a first performance goal for themonitored performance characteristic; in a second operating mode,determine power control information based, at least in part, on themonitored performance characteristic and a second performance goal forthe monitored performance characteristic, where the second performancegoal is different from the first performance goal; and communicate thedetermined power control information with a third module, wherein, inthe first operating mode, the at least a second module operates to:determine the power control information by, at least in part, operatingto arbitrate between a plurality of different modules of the integratedcircuit; and arbitrate between the plurality of different modules of theintegrated circuit based, at least in part, on a priority-based weightedaverage.
 28. In an integrated circuit, a method for controllingelectrical power, the method comprising: in the integrated circuit:receiving electrical power at a first circuit module of the integratedcircuit and utilizing the electrical power to perform a function;monitoring a performance characteristic of one or both of the firstcircuit module and the integrated circuit; in a first operating mode,determining power control information based, at least in part, on themonitored performance characteristic and a first performance goal forthe monitored performance characteristic; in a second operating mode,determining power control information based, at least in part, on themonitored performance characteristic and a second performance goal forthe monitored performance characteristic, where the second performancegoal is different from the first performance goal; and communicating thedetermined power control information with a third circuit module,wherein, in the first operating mode, said determining power controlinformation comprises arbitrating between a plurality of differentcircuit modules of the integrated circuit, and wherein said arbitratingcomprises arbitrating between the plurality of different circuit modulesof the integrated circuit based, at least in part, on a priority-basedweighted average.